Redbirds v Bradley 1/20 8:00 PM Marquee (ESPN3)

[JHBird]

Bradley won two tourneys in a row; they deserve credit. I think they'll miss D. Brown though in the tourney this year.

Loved seeing the celebration in the locker room. Damn, they have some nice nameplates over their lockers! I didn't see the game. Did Horne play more shooting guard than usual, with Fleming in there? Fleming played his most minutes so far I think this year (26). Maybe him playing more is the key going forward (I hope); Kotov in the middle as well.

 

[ricohill]

While it may be tempting to let boys be boys I, personally, think Dan is right to shut down actions like these. First, it’s not good sportsmanship. It’s disrespectful, which I think is one of Dan’s guiding principles. In the long term, it’s about being gracious in victory and in defeat. Second, it gives something the opponent can use as personal motivation for the next game. Losing to us hurts. But being taunted brings anger. And let’s be honest, our team really does not need for BU to be focused AND angry the next time we face them.

My opinion is good for Alex and Dusan. Dan has never embraced the rivalry and hatred of Bradley. Of all the things that have happened (multiple arrests and other off court issues over his time here), to get mad about this seems silly and hitting two players seems crazy. However, those two come from backgrounds where they aren’t soft. Hopefully, it blows over.

Also, I’m pretty sure Bradley is going to be fired up in Peoria. They got it handed to them. Wardle is a certifiable psycho and you can guarantee he’s going to go off on his team to have them fired up.

It was nice to finally see some passion out of a Dan Muller team. The fact two kids from overseas get how important this game is was refreshing after the past few years.

 

[DoubleDeuce]

This team has had multiple arrests? Dan hit players? Please specify...I wasn't aware.

 

[ricohill]

This team has had multiple arrests? Dan hit players? Please specify...I wasn't aware.

I meant over his 9 years and I assume you knew what I was saying. Also, he clearly hit two players last night. See the video posted above.

However, as I said I hope it blows over

 

[ricohill]

Something I forgot to mention for those clamoring how much better Wardle is than Muller- In 6 years at BU, he is 89-90 overall and 41-52 in the MVC and lucked in to two MVC tournament championships. In 2019, Bradley was 9-9, in a 3-way tie for fifth in the league, and was a benefactor of the conference's tie breaker rules, thanks in part to two half-court buzzer beater losses by the Birds. Had those two shots not gone in, Bradley may have very well being playing Thursday night that year. Then they beat 6 seed UNI in the 'ship by 3. In 2020, they beat Valpo, the first Thursday night team to ever make it to Sunday. Four games in four days is too much for any team to be real competitive.

Again, not saying we're in a great situation coaching-wise but its something to consider. If you call Muller's "successful" season "flash in the pan" it could be argued that Wardle has had similar success. Cue: "BuT hE GoT HiS tEaM tO tHe tOuRnAmEnT." Yeah. I know that.

I don’t think Wardle is that great of a coach, however Bradley was terrible when he took over and he got them able to qualify for the NCAA Tournament twice.

 

[MadBird]

As echoed above - a great comeback win. Not impressed with Bradley- they just shit the bed after the 10 minute mark. Let's face it we got some good luck on some longgggggg 3s that were last second desperations. What still sticks out though is down 1 at half with 30 seconds and we only start to run what did not appear like anything like a play and are forced with a deperation at end of half - seemed like nothing was planned and that is what concerns me. We also while up 10 were chucking up long shots with 20 seconds left on the shot clock. But there were others where we used the clock effectively. So if the team can play like they did the last 3/4 of the game going forward I do think we'll be able to sweep Valpo and split with some others we play - namely SIU and UNI

I agree with a lot of the comments and sentiment on this thread, but topiarydan's post is closest to my thoughts.

It's one game. There's a ways to go, but there's hope, there's promise. As I pointed out in some other post, most of our guys are young and inexperienced. They'll get there eventually, but we have to be patient (I also note, looking at the rosters last night, that BU is pretty damn young most of the time). Great things can happen when you hit your shots, make FT's, and hit the boards. And play some D.

So, keep working on it!!

 

[Redbird Alum 2004]

I really hope this is a spring board game. The guys really tightened the screws defensively and the offense took off. These guys are going to have their of nights and dry works but hopefully those get less and less with experience. Was this Fleming's coming out party? I am not sure. I think he is just scratching the surface of his talent. Time will tell. Horne looks like he is getting healthier and his confidence is coming back with it. Love seeing him taking it to the rack or driving for a pull up. Now to see how these guys respond to a big win. Does it make them hungry or does that one win satisfy them.

 

[CaliRdBrd]

Agree. Few care how you got there as long as you got there. Are we not working on year 23?

10 years is abysmal! 23 is beyond the pale.

 

[Redbirdwarrior]

As usual, I am going to lean back on ISU winning 28 f*cking games including games against T25 teams and winning a regular season Valley title but still being stiffed by the committee as the only reason you all hate Muller as you do. If that selection Sunday ends us with ISU as an 8/9 playin against Rhode Island, suddenly Muller is the coach we need. A corrupt committee decides that a 16 win Cuse team is more marketable than a 28 win ISU team and suddenly Muller is a worse coach that Wardle because Wardle snuck his team through a bracket in the worst top to bottom Valley lineups in modern history for 6 games in March.

Anyone that counts tournament appearances as the end all be all of coaching qualifications can no longer argue that there has ever been a tournament snub. Dan coached ISU to the best season of basketball in modern history. They were a top 40 team, were more than deserving of a 7 seed, much less a 12 seed. And they simply said no.

So if you want to sit there and tell me that winning 3 games in March makes a better coach than winning 28 games November to February, that's fine, but then just go away until Arch Madness. According to you, the rest of the season is little more than exhibition anyway. To be fair, the NCAA essentially said that time and time and time and time again anyway, when it comes to Mid Majors, didnt they?

The system is broken.

 

[ISU86]

I'd rather be the level of program who fires coaches going 24-10 with 2nd round ncaa exits every year because thats just not good enough. but, we'll never be there.

Very few programs would do that, and certainly not at the mid-major level. That result is essentially a borderline top-25 team. Last one I can think of is Texas with Rick Barnes, and they also have an overabundance of money to burn in Austin.

 

[ISU86]

10 years is abysmal! 23 is beyond the pale.

there is a bit of "even a blind squirrel" (finding a nut now and then) in that statement. Ten years would be average for this conference, twenty-three is indeed awful; however, this is not the Big Dance of even fifteen years ago when Billy Packer went Gonzo on his perceived over-abundance of mid-majors selected. Almost all are playing for three (four) days at the 'Lou, regardless of regular season performance.

 

[Baltimore Bird]

I was following the game on my phone every 10 minutes or so. I started following and we were down 18-7. I then saw 22-22 and 31-30 at halftime. Then 42-34 and eventually 69-50 before the final. I really enjoyed watching that game on ESPN 3 today. Go Birds!

 

[Redbirdfan06]

As usual, I am going to lean back on ISU winning 28 f*cking games including games against T25 teams and winning a regular season Valley title but still being stiffed by the committee as the only reason you all hate Muller as you do. If that selection Sunday ends us with ISU as an 8/9 playin against Rhode Island, suddenly Muller is the coach we need. A corrupt committee decides that a 16 win Cuse team is more marketable than a 28 win ISU team and suddenly Muller is a worse coach that Wardle because Wardle snuck his team through a bracket in the worst top to bottom Valley lineups in modern history for 6 games in March.

Anyone that counts tournament appearances as the end all be all of coaching qualifications can no longer argue that there has ever been a tournament snub. Dan coached ISU to the best season of basketball in modern history. They were a top 40 team, were more than deserving of a 7 seed, much less a 12 seed. And they simply said no.

So if you want to sit there and tell me that winning 3 games in March makes a better coach than winning 28 games November to February, that's fine, but then just go away until Arch Madness. According to you, the rest of the season is little more than exhibition anyway. To be fair, the NCAA essentially said that time and time and time and time again anyway, when it comes to Mid Majors, didnt they?

The system is broken.

What top 25 team did we beat that season? And why would we have gotten an 8 or 9 seed when Wichita state got a 10 seed and beat us by a combined 60 points the last two times we played them? Did Muller pay you to post this?

 

[CaliRdBrd]

As usual, I am going to lean back on ISU winning 28 f*cking games including games against T25 teams and winning a regular season Valley title but still being stiffed by the committee as the only reason you all hate Muller as you do. If that selection Sunday ends us with ISU as an 8/9 playin against Rhode Island, suddenly Muller is the coach we need. A corrupt committee decides that a 16 win Cuse team is more marketable than a 28 win ISU team and suddenly Muller is a worse coach that Wardle because Wardle snuck his team through a bracket in the worst top to bottom Valley lineups in modern history for 6 games in March.

Anyone that counts tournament appearances as the end all be all of coaching qualifications can no longer argue that there has ever been a tournament snub. Dan coached ISU to the best season of basketball in modern history. They were a top 40 team, were more than deserving of a 7 seed, much less a 12 seed. And they simply said no.

So if you want to sit there and tell me that winning 3 games in March makes a better coach than winning 28 games November to February, that's fine, but then just go away until Arch Madness. According to you, the rest of the season is little more than exhibition anyway. To be fair, the NCAA essentially said that time and time and time and time again anyway, when it comes to Mid Majors, didnt they?

The system is broken.

The selection system is broken, but Muller has had one good season and one decent season in nine years?? Sorry, but that’s pathetic. When you consider how watered down this conference is without Creighton and Wichita, it’s even more pathetic.
Also, let’s slow the roll on this Bradley win. A nice win, yes. However, it’s more likely an off night for Bradley than it is ISU turning the corner. In addition, beating bottom-feeder Valpo (if that happens) won’t tell us anything. Color me impressed when we knock out 7 or more in a row. Until then change needs to happen.

 

[gobirds85]

As usual, I am going to lean back on ISU winning 28 f*cking games including games against T25 teams and winning a regular season Valley title but still being stiffed by the committee as the only reason you all hate Muller as you do. If that selection Sunday ends us with ISU as an 8/9 playin against Rhode Island, suddenly Muller is the coach we need. A corrupt committee decides that a 16 win Cuse team is more marketable than a 28 win ISU team and suddenly Muller is a worse coach that Wardle because Wardle snuck his team through a bracket in the worst top to bottom Valley lineups in modern history for 6 games in March.

Anyone that counts tournament appearances as the end all be all of coaching qualifications can no longer argue that there has ever been a tournament snub. Dan coached ISU to the best season of basketball in modern history. They were a top 40 team, were more than deserving of a 7 seed, much less a 12 seed. And they simply said no.

So if you want to sit there and tell me that winning 3 games in March makes a better coach than winning 28 games November to February, that's fine, but then just go away until Arch Madness. According to you, the rest of the season is little more than exhibition anyway. To be fair, the NCAA essentially said that time and time and time and time again anyway, when it comes to Mid Majors, didnt they?

The system is broken.

Agree the system doesn’t work for a mid-major like ourselves but that was one year. What about the other 7 years? And if I recall the championship game was an embarrassment. We got killed and then added insult on top of injury with some bullshit technicals at the end of the game. We made it easy for the committee to pass on us with that performance.

 

[Trey_Guidry4three]

This is the type of win that can turn the program around. Tourney bound?? We might be in for a run here to finish the last 6 weeks

 

[Birdswin]

One comment I heard last night from the announcers that surprised me - it came after Reeves drove in the lane and got fouled. They said, from our conversations with Reeves, he does not like going to the basket - he would rather shoot from outside. To me that is very telling. I think he is much better slashing towards the basket - there are times to shoot from the outside, whether it is behind the arc or like he did at Evansville, but, he does need to slash at times.

 

[Bird Friend]

One comment I heard last night from the announcers that surprised me - it came after Reeves drove in the lane and got fouled. They said, from our conversations with Reeves, he does not like going to the basket - he would rather shoot from outside. To me that is very telling. I think he is much better slashing towards the basket - there are times to shoot from the outside, whether it is behind the arc or like he did at Evansville, but, he does need to slash at times.

If he want's to be a shooter, he needs to shoot better. Take away the Greenville game (5-6 overall) and he's shooting 42.4% / 29.4% / 71.4%. Then take away the good Evansville game (9-11 overall) and he's shooting 38.2% / 28.0% / 71.9% . . . His floaters in the lane show how much he dislikes going inside, they're almost all short.

He's got the talent and height to go inside. He needs to get tougher. And he needs to do what the team needs him to do . . . get to the rim and shoot pull up jumpers. He's not a 3-pt threat.

 

[DoubleDeuce]

If he want's to be a shooter, he needs to shoot better. Take away the Greenville game (5-6 overall) and he's shooting 42.4% / 29.4% / 71.4%. Then take away the good Evansville game (9-11 overall) and he's shooting 38.2% / 28.0% / 71.9% . . . His floaters in the lane show how much he dislikes going inside, they're almost all short.

He's got the talent and height to go inside. He needs to get tougher. And he needs to do what the team needs him to do . . . get to the rim and shoot pull up jumpers. He's not a 3-pt threat.

I'm working on floaters with my son, making sure they all get flushed.

 

[WSpringsBird]

What top 25 team did we beat that season? And why would we have gotten an 8 or 9 seed when Wichita state got a 10 seed and beat us by a combined 60 points the last two times we played them? Did Muller pay you to post this?

The Birds beat Wichita State, which finished the season in the top 25 of the AP and coaches' polls. I guess you can argue the win doesn't count as a top 25 win because Wichita State entered the top 25 later in the season, but if you watched the Shockers that year, you knew they were a top 25 team.

As for the Shockers' seed, Wichita State was very underseeded, won its first game of the tourney, and nearly beat overall #5 Kentucky (#2 seed in the region) in the second round.